Santorini: Day 1

FRIDAY 3 JUNE 2022

While we waiting out the wind in Ios, we took the opportunity to make a side trip to Santorini (known locally as Thira). Anchoring in Santorini is difficult (owing to the deep and rocky seabed), so we jumped aboard the fast ferry instead, and 30 minutes later docked at this iconic destination for a long weekend.

Arriving in the belly of the volcano that shapes this island is dramatic to say the least. The island was once complete, with a typical central volcanic peak. Today what remains is a crescent shape around a flooded cauldron (caldera), formed when the volcano collapsed inwards after a devastating eruption thousands of years ago. The steep cliffs of Santorini are draped in white-washed cubic houses, overlooking the rugged landscape below.

So, we hopped in our little hire car and zig-zagged up the cliffs to our “cave house” accommodation in Karterados. These traditional homes are minimalistic, dug into the volcanic rock and whitewashed to reflect the light. These humble abodes were once for the impoverished, and provided necessary protection from the elements. Today they are modern lodgings, and ours even came with a rooftop jacuzzi - the perfect place to cool off from the afternoon heat - the kids were in heaven!

That evening we drove up to Pyrgos, the highest point of Santorini. The narrow winding paths of this hilltop village provide sweeping views of the island, and the perfect place to enjoy a drink with that famous Santorini sunset.